Hokage's Office
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind a mountain of documents, reviewing them with great care. He processed government affairs quickly, finishing a document every few minutes, yet the reports on his desk never seemed to diminish. His assistants kept bringing over fresh stacks of papers for his approval.
"Alas, the friction between the nations of the Shinobi World is growing worse and worse!" Having just finished reviewing a document, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help sighing inwardly, deeply worried about the current state of the Shinobi World.
Just then, the office door opened once more. Hiruzen Sarutobi spared it a glance before returning his attention to the document in his hands.
"Lord Hokage, the list of Chunin applicants has been compiled and needs your confirmation as soon as possible." A Hokage assistant approached and handed a document to the Third Hokage.
"Mm, Isaka, is it? Wait here a moment. I'll be done shortly." As he spoke, the Third Hokage accepted the document and began reading it without even looking up.
Among the names on the list, the Third Hokage saw several familiar ones. One of them, however, caught him by surprise.
"Time truly flies. I never expected Might Guy to already possess the strength to become a Chunin!" The Third Hokage sighed in admiration, but then recalled something and asked, "What about Hyuga Iwa? Why isn't he on the list?"
Isaka was clearly familiar with the list, but he hesitated and stammered, "He's on the last page, but..."
"Heh, it's only an application list. Is there really something on it that would put you in such a difficult position?" As he spoke, the Third Hokage turned to the final page.
It was a lengthy materials application form listing all kinds of instruments, equipment, and materials. Some of them